Cats are really quite magical. Cats are smart and curious, but also cute and cuddly. This combination makes them excellent domestic animals. You do have to take great care of your pet, though. Read the following article for an education on cat care.
If you're thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. Adopting from a pet shelter benefits the cat population.
Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. Such practices help keep cats' coats clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.
Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. Be very careful with the flea products you use. These products can be fatal for your cat. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it's under the animal's skin it can never become lost.
Litter Box
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat's food. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. This will make you and your cat happy.
Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. They usually offer us warm companionship, and they require the same. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. Make her feel like she is part of your family.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you're planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
Keep a collar with ID on your cat. Even an indoor pet should have this. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.
If you have a pregnant cat ready to birth her babies, be sure she has enough space. The process generally takes about three hours, so you must exercise patience. If it's been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.
Put a collar around your cat's neck. Make sure it has your address, phone number and name. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. If this happens, ensure there's a way they can find home again.
You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. Studies have shown that cats that live outdoors tend to have shorter lives than cats that stay indoors. Going outside may give your pet some exercise, but the risk of disease or injury outweighs that benefit.
Cats can get sick in some of the same ways you can. You need to pay attention to your cat and make sure they are in good health. Have a vet look at your cat if you suspect this. Your vet can often rule out the possibility of serious conditions.
While you must use the vet for particular needs, those bills sure can stack up. Save money by ordering pet medicines online. Some companies will express ship to your door. This can be convenient and cheap if your cat has to take medications regularly like once a month.
An indoor-only cat is your best bet. Cats left outside have significantly lower lifespans, and are susceptible to many diseases and parasites. You may even catch their disease yourself. Let your cat rest in a room with a lot of light; this will help satisfy his or her outdoor needs.
Spaying or neutering your cat is a great decision. Cats always need to explore things. Indoor cats can slip out through a cracked window or door left open a little bit too long. And if your cat goes outside on a normal basis, it's even more important that you get them fixed. A huge number of cats are euthanized annually due to overpopulation.
Cats are truly the center of the household. Carefully read over the advice found in this article. Put everything you've learned to use to keep your cat happy and healthy.